Prince Harry Blames Media Intrusion for Royal Rift, Feels “Vindicated” in Phone Hacking Lawsuit

Prince Harry, the Duke of Sussex, has spoken out about the impact of his legal battles against the British media on his relationship with the Royal Family. In an upcoming ITV documentary titled “Tabloids on Trial,” Harry suggests these fights have been a “central piece” in the breakdown of his family ties.

Landmark Win Against MGN

The documentary features Harry’s first interview since his four-year legal battle against Mirror Group Newspapers (MGN) concluded in December 2023. The court ruled that MGN had unlawfully obtained information for stories published about the Duke, awarding him a significant sum in damages.

Reflecting on the verdict, Harry expresses a sense of vindication, calling it a “monumental victory.” However, he adds a bittersweet note, stating, “it would be nice if we did it as a family.” This comment hints at potential family disapproval of his legal actions.

Accusations of Media Intrusion and Paranoia

The documentary delves into Harry’s long-standing grievances with the tabloid press. He specifically mentions his belief that his late mother, Princess Diana, was a victim of phone hacking. “They [the press] very much enjoy painting her as being paranoid,” Harry says, “but she wasn’t paranoid, she was absolutely right about what was happening to her.”

He further details the negative impact of intrusive media coverage on his personal life. Referring to a Daily Mirror headline that predicted his then-girlfriend’s desire to break up with him, Harry questions the paper’s motives and raises concerns about the lack of public interest in such stories.

A Life Impacted by the Press

“Tabloids on Trial” goes beyond Prince Harry’s experiences. The documentary features interviews with other celebrities, including Hugh Grant, Charlotte Church, and Paul Gascoigne, who have also faced significant media scrutiny. Their stories shed light on the widespread issue of press intrusion and its lasting effects on public figures.

Prince Harry’s legal fight against the press continues. He is currently pursuing cases against Associated Newspapers, publisher of the Daily Mail, and News Group Newspapers, publisher of The Sun.

The documentary’s release is likely to spark further discussions about media accountability and the boundaries of press freedom. It also raises questions about the potential long-term consequences of Harry’s legal actions on his relationship with the Royal Family.

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